Two years of Architecture has taught me a lot about design principles. In particular, I discovered the power and beauty of simple and modular structural systems. Modularity does not mean boring. On the contrary, it is to take a simple unit and multiply it systematically – applying certain principles and conceptual rules – to form flexible and dynamic systems.
Take a look at the pine cone. What do you see?
My first assignment was to study pine cones. Pretty random and complex structure it seems?
No kidding, pine cones actually display the Fibonacci sequence in their structures! (This might help you understand the structure more clearly.) Every system you see is composed of a simpler system or a series of simpler systems. The degree of complexity is build up through different grouping combinations of many such simple systems, even the pine cones. And there is no limit to the size of the system. It can keep growing infinitely, without losing its aesthetic and functional values. That is the power of modularity.
How can modularity be applied to product design?
Taking a simple surge protector as an example. Two months ago, I found out about Powramid, a UFO-looking surge protector that not only resolved the issue of clustered plugs on traditional surge protectors but also redefined the aesthetic standards of what surge protectors could look like. The product design is clearly innovative, but only temporal. A Powramid can take up to 6 plugs. What happens when you have to power more than 6 appliances? You’ll need an extension strip that you plug into the Powramid and it goes on when your work station grows larger. Rather nasty in terms of the looks and all the cables crossing over each other and entangling. I use about 9-10 sockets at home at all times: Monitor, CPU, 2 external hard-drives, external DVD-burner, speakers, USB-ports hub, cellphone/digital camera charger, desk lamp.
E-rope Modular Power Strip
The E-rope is an IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) Bronze winner in 2006. Although it is only a design project, the concept of taking a power socket module and multiplying it to grow into a power strip really creates a flexible solution to fit different power needs. Whether it’s 4 sockets or 12 sockets, big plugs or small plugs, E-rope is completely customizable. Imagine each little unit is a surge protector itself…
A lot still needs to be refined when taking this design concept into actuality. Such as considering the amount of space required when more than a dozen modules wriggle out from the wall socket. And how realistic it is for cables to be coming in from different directions? What about the space in between when the strip makes a corner? By connecting the modules in series, it means that when one plug is switched off, the rest in line would be off too. What if I want to switch off some, but keep others powered? Can the modules be modified so that they can be connected in parallel?
Eubiq Power Outlet System
Perhaps it’s not too difficult to realize a modularize and practical power strip design. The Eubiq Power Outlet System is an example and can be an architectural solution for modern homes, where you can have sockets anywhere you want and exactly where you wanted it. Just watch the demo. Really cool. Seriously, turn this into a Power Protection Outlet System and future homes could automatically enjoy the benefits of reliable power usage. Might be a bit costly to re-install it throughout the house when it’s time to change the protector, but c’mon.. everything needs to be built-in nowadays! Houses are no exceptions. 
